Fresh with the news of the Division 1 team’s triumph on Saturday, four gallant somewhat higher handicap players arrived at the Newmarket club on Sunday morning to defend the Division 2 trophy that they had won at Hatfield in the previous year.

A mix of youth and experience was the order of the day, with Felicity Riddall Bell and Riya Bharwad – promising and fast improving juniors both – playing the singles ties while the more experienced pair of Kate Kirk and Alasdair Bovaird played the doubles. First up was a match against the host club. Both singles saw the Cambridge players facing significant handicap differences and a tight timescale which left little room for error. One draw and one loss ensued in the singles, with a victory in the doubles levelling the overall match score.

Newmarket then took to the courts again, getting the better of Hatfield, before it was the light blues’ turn to face Prested. Riya claimed victory in very short order with her pace around the court both during and between points proving too much for her opponent. Meanwhile a victory for Felicity was arguably only prevented by the necessarily strict enforcement of the time limits (she was 40-0 up with the score at 4-4 when the buzzer went!). There was much favourable comment among the spectators in the dedans on both the quality and energy on display – one marker observed that he couldn’t get the words ‘change ends please’ out before Riya was at the net ready to swap places with her opponent – another commenting that ‘Claire Fahey better watch out’ as Felicity beat a short chase with a volley off the penthouse. A victory in the doubles ensured that once again Cambridge took the honours.

Being experienced players, our doubles pair took the opportunity to relax and enjoy the excellent lunch provided by Newmarket while Riya and Felicity both took a turn as markers for matches which saw Newmarket get the better of Hatfield.

The Cambridge team’s final match was against Hatfield. Felicity won her singles comfortably but Riya was conceding a handicap difference of 13 points (Owe 30/Rec 15) and although she fought hard was not able to overcome the odds. A victory in the final doubles left the club on 12 points for the day – 5 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses.

The host team had the opportunity to take the trophy if they were to win two of their final three matches versus Prested – which they proceeded to do – although with the singles split it came down to the final doubles to determine the victors – a record of 6 wins, one draw and two losses meaning a total of 13 points and victory for the hosts by the narrowest of margins.

An enjoyable day – well organised and hosted and all looking forward to the next edition at Prested on the last weekend of June 2026.

Alasdair Bovaird, Cambridge EAC+ Skipper